We watch fireworks and celebrate the United Stated of American becoming independent from the power of the King of England on July 4th every year, but what are we really celebrating with all those hot dogs and beer? The American Revolution didn’t end until September 3, 1783 with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. July 4, 1776 was actually the day that representatives from the Second Continental Congress signed off on the final text of the Declaration of Independence, although it had been approved two days earlier.
Representatives from the original 13 colonies placed their signatures on the document ratifying it, officially severing all political ties with Great Britain. However, until the war was over, it didn’t make this country independent from British rule.
In May 1775, as political unrest related to the governing of the colonies by those representing King George III reached a new high, a convention of delegates from the 13 original colonies met in Philadelphia to manage the Revolutionary War and act as the de facto national government until one could be created upon the completion of the war. They raised the Continental Army, chose George Washington as its commander, and wrote the Declaration of Independence — all with the threat of treason hanging over their heads. As a matter of fact, the last delegate didn’t sign until January 1777 because he was being hunted by British soldiers.
After the original Declaration of Independence was signed, copies were made and circulated among the people living in these new United States. Because the date on the paper that was in general circulation had the date of July 4, 1776 upon it, that was the date chosen to celebrate America’s independence.
Although the war was still happening, celebrations of independence began occurring as early as 1777. With the 250th Birthday of the signing of the Declaration of Independence taking place this year, many cities are planning special celebrations. This year also marks 230 years of the state of Tennessee.
Goodlettsville
The City of Goodlettsville will host its Independence Day Celebration on July 3, 2026 in Moss-Wright Park. The event begins at 4:00
p.m. with food vendors and an activity zone. It concludes after the fireworks display, which is set to music and scheduled to begin at 9:00 p.m. It is suggested that families bring a picnic blanket and chairs and enjoy food from one of the many vendors before the fireworks display begins. Learn more here.
Hendersonville
Freedom Fest in Hendersonville will take place at Drake’s Creek Park from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. on July 3. This free, family-friendly celebration features live music, a Kids Zone, food trucks, local vendors, and a spectacular fireworks finale that lights up the night.
This year’s entertainment lineup, emceed by News 2 Chief Meteorologist Danielle Breezy, kicks off the evening with Uncle Shuffelo and His Haint Hollow Hootenanny, a lively Middle Tennessee old-time music string band known for their infectious energy, rich musical traditions, and crowd-engaging performances. Headlining the night is Rockland Road, a powerhouse family band known for their signature harmonies and genre-blended sound—bringing together country, gospel, pop, and Americana.
The Highland Volunteer Fire Department in Portland, Tennessee will keep the celebration going by offering their Fireworks in the Park on July 11. Taking place in Richland Park, located at 321 Portland Boulevard, it will offer live music, food vendors, inflatables and fire truck foam, as well as a spectacular fireworks display. Learn more here.
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